Washing machine



Dec. 2, 1969 J. BOCHAN 3,481,164

' WASHING MACHINE Filed May 8, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. J'OHN BOCHAN ms ATTORNEY J. BOCHAN WASHING MACHINE Dec. 2, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed May 8, 1968 FIGZ PIC-3.3

INVENTOR. JOHM Boc HAM BY A i Hi5 uroaMEY United States Patent US. Cl.68-4 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A washing machine adapted towash two loads of fabrics simultaneously in separate solutions withoutliquid interchange therebetween includes a fisrt, outer, open top tub toreceive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid, a movablymounted agitator extending upwardly in the first tub, and drive meansfor efiecting a washing motion of the agitator. A second, substantiallyimperforate, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed inthat liquid is mounted on the agitator for movement therewith. A liquidinlet is positioned to direct a stream of liquid into the machine inregistry with the top of the second tub. A cover for the second tubsubstantially closes its open top and includes a plurality of verticallyspaced, radially extending walls received in the upper portion of theinner tub. The walls have ofiset discontinuous portions to form alabyrinth passage so that the stream of liquid may enter the inner tubuntil the liquid therein rises to the level of the passage, the streamof liquid then is diverted into the first tub. The machine also includesa recirculation filter system for the outer tub with the recirculatingliquid flowing onto the cover, which directs the recirculated liquidback into the outer tub.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fabric washingmachines, and more particularly, to such a machine which is adapted towash two separate loads of fabrics concurrently without interminglingthe liquid used in the washing process. One shortcoming of presentlyavailable fabric washing machines is that the user cannot concurrentlyWash items which are incompatible; for instance, white garments andcolored garments which may run, or fuzzy garments and other garmentswhich might pick up lint released from the fuzzy garments. Thus, forwhat should be an average wash load, the user may have to divide thefabrics into two or more separate loads in order to wash all the items,even though the total size of the load does not exceed the capacity ofthe washing machine. Prior art patents relating to washing machines forproviding concurrent washing operations propose systems for keeping theliquids separate which are very complicated. Two areas of thiscomplexity are separate liquid inlet arrangements so that both the innerand the outer tub may be filled without the liquid for one going throughthe other and rather complicated recirculating filter systems to insurethat the recirculating liquid from one of the tubs does not get into theother.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved washingmachine for concurrently washing two loads of fabrics.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an improvedmachine wherein a single liquid inlet system may be used to fill both ofthe wash tubs.

Still another object of this invention is to provide such a machine inwhich recirculating filter arrangements like those presently used may beincorporated without causing any interchange of the liquid in themachine.

3,481,164 Patented Dec. 2, 1969 ice By one form of the present inventionthere is provided, in a vertical axis washing machine, a first, outer,open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed in that liquid;a movably mounted agitator extending upwardly within the first tub, anddrive means for effecting a washing motion of the agitator. A second,substantially imperforate, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics tobe washed in that liquid is mounted on the agitator for movementtherewith. Liquid inlet means is positioned to direct a stream of liquidinto the machine in registry with the top of the second tub. A coverstructure is adapted to substantially close the open top of the secondtub and includes a plurality of vertically spaced, radially extend ingwalls received in the upper portion of the second tub. The walls haveoffset discontinuous portions to form a labyrinth passage through thecover structure so that the stream of liquid may enter the second tubuntil the liquid therein rises to the level of the labyrinth passage,the stream of liquid then being diverted into the first tub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a somewhat schematic,partial side elevational view of a clothes washing machine incorporatingone embodiment of the present invention, the view being partly brokenaway and partially in section to illustrate details,

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side elevational View of the machine of FIGURE1, illustrating certain details of the invention, and

FIGURE 3 is a partial plan view of the machine of FIG- URE 1,illustrating additional details, with certain parts of the machineomitted for the sake of clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing,there is shown therein an agitator type clothes washing machine 1 havingan outer, open top tub or receptacle 2 to receive liquid and fabrics tobe washed in that liquid. The tub 2 includes a lower wall 3 and agenerally cylindrical, upwardly extending side wall 4, the walls 3 and 4being provided with a number of spaced perforations or openings 5. Thetub 2 is positioned within an outer, imperforate casing 6 which definesa chamber 7 with the tub 2 mounted Within the chamber so that, whenliquid is added to the tub 2, it will flow into the chamber 7 and fillthe chamber and tub to the same level. The top of the tub may beprovided with a balance ring 8 to help steady the tub when it is rotatedat high speed.

The casing 6 is rigidly mounted within an appearance cabinet 9 whichincludes a cover 10 hingedly mounted in the top portion 11 of thecabinet for providing access through an opening 12 to the tub 2. Agasket 13 may be provided so as to form a seal between the top of thecasing 6 and the portion 11 of the cabinet thereby to prevent escape ofmoisture and moist air into the cabinet around the casing.

There is a movably mounted agitator 14 extending upwardly within thecenter of the tub 2. In the present case the agitator is shown asincluding a center post 15 and a plurality of outwardly extending vanes16 and 17 which extend partially along the center post and are joined attheir lower ends by an outwardly flared skirt 18. In the particularagitator illustrated the vanes 16 extend further up the center post thando the vanes 17; however, this is for illustrative purposes only and thevanes may take any desired shape.

The tub 2 and agitator 14 are rotatably mounted. The tub 2 is mounted ona flange 19 of a rotatable hub 20, and the agitator 14 is mounted on ashaft (not shown) which extends upwardly through the hub 20 and throughthe center post 15 and is secured to the agitator so as to drive it.During a typical cycle of operation the agitator is caused to oscillateabout its axis, that is, in a horizontal plane within the tub 2, tocause a washing action of the fabrics in the machine. Then the agitatorand tub are rotated together at high speed for centrifugal extraction ofliquid from the fabrics in the machine. This sequence of operation isrepeated the desired number of times for a complete cycle and normallyis provided at least twice to give a washing step and a rinsing step.

The tub 2 and agitator 14 may be driven through any suitable means. Byway of example I have shown them as driven from a reversible motor 21through a system including a suitable load limiting clutch 22 mounted onthe motor shaft. A belt 23 transmits power from the clutch 22 to atransmission assembly 24 through a pulley 25. Thus, depending upon thedirection of motor rotation, the pulley 25 and transmission 24 aredriven in opposite directions. The transmission 24 is so arranged thatit supports and drives both the agitator drive shaft and the basketmounting hub 20. When the motor 21 is rotated in one direction thetransmission causes agitator 14 to oscillate in a substantiallyhorizontal plane with the tub 2. Conversely, when the motor 21 is drivenin the opposite direction, the transmission rotates the tub 2 andagitator 14 together at high speed for centrifugal liquid extraction.

While the specific type of transmission mechanism used does not formpart of the invention reference is made to Patent 2,844,225 issued toJames R. Hubbard et al. of July 22, 1958 and owned by General ElectricCompany, assignee of the present invention. That patent discloses indetail the structural characteristics of a transmission suitable for usein the illustrated machine.

In addition to operating the transmission 24 as described, the motor 21also provides a direct drive through a flexible coupling 26 to a pumpstructure generally indicated at 27, which may include two separate pumpunits 28 and 29, both operated in the same direction simultaneously bythe motor 21. Pump 28 has an inlet which is connected by a conduit 30 toan opening 31 formed at the lower most point of casing 6. Pump 28 alsohas an outlet which is connected by a conduit 32 to a suitable drain(not shown). The pump 29 has an inlet connected by a conduit 33 to theinterior of the chamber 7 and an outlet connected by a conduit 34 to anozzle 35. The pump structure is formed so that, in the spin directionof motor rotation, pump 28 will draw liquid in from the chamber 7through the opening 31 and conduit 30 and then discharge it throughconduit 32 to drain. In the other direction of motor rotation, pump 29will draw in liquid through the conduit 33 and discharge it throughconduit 34 and nozzle 35. Each of the pumps is substantially inoperativein the direction of rotation in which it is not used. The particularform of the pump structure 27 is not significant; rather structure 27 isrepresentative of any structure capable of passing liquid selectivelyout through one outlet or another, whether by use of one pump withsuitable valving, a combination structure or two pumps.

As will be explained hereinafter, it may be desirable that rotation ofthe tub 2 and agitator 14 for centrifugal extraction of liquid fromfabrics within the machine be delayed a sufficient period of time duringeach extraction step for the pump 28 to lower the level of standingliquid within the chamber 7 at least to below the bottom wall 3 of thetub 2. Applicants Patent 3,131,797 issued on May 5, 1964, and assignedto General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention, andPatent 3,197,982, issued on Aug. 3, 1965 to Joseph C. Worst, andassigned to General Electric Company, assignee of the present inventionboth disclose details of the structural characteristics of clutcheswhich will provide a suitable delay in the high speed rotation of tub 2and agitator 14 so the pump 28 can lower the level of liquid in chamber7.

The motor 21, clutch 22, transmission 24, tub 2 and agitator 14 form asuspended washing and centrifuging system which is supported by thestationary structure of the machine so as to permit isolation ofvibrations from the stationary structure. While any suitable suspensionstructure may be used, one such structure includes a bracket member 36with the transmission 24 mounted on the top thereof and the motor 21mounted on the underside thereof. A suitable counterweight 37 may alsobe mounted to the underside of the bracket 36 to help balance theloading of the bracket. The bracket member in turn is secured to a pairof upwardly extending rigid members 38, and each of the two upwardlyextending members 38 is connected to a cable (not shown) supported fromthe top of the machine. While only a portion of the suspension system isshown, such a vibration isolation system is fully described and claimedin applicants Patent 2,987,190, issued on June 6, 1961 and assigned tothe General Electric Company, assignee of the present invention.

In order to accommodate the movement which occurs between the tub 2 andcasing 6 without any danger of leakage between them, the stationarycasing 6 is joined to the upper part of transmission 24 by a flexibleboot member 39. Boot 39 may be of any suitable configuration, many ofwhich are known in the art, to permit relative motion of the parts towhich it is joined without leakage therebetween.

Hot and cold water may be supplied to the machine through conduits 40and 41, which are adapted to be connected respectively to sources of hotand cold water (not shown). Conduits 40 and 41 extend into aconventional mixing valve structure 42 having solenoids 43 and 44.Energization of solenoid 43 permits passage of hot water through thevalve to an inlet hose 45, energization of solenoid 44 permits passageof cold water through the valve, and energization of both solenoidspermits mixing of hot and cold water in the valve and passage of warmwater into the hose 45. The inlet hose 45 is connected to a dischargehorn 46 which is positioned to discharge into the tub 2 so that when oneor both of the solenoids 43 and 44 are energized, water passes into thetub 2 and chamber 7. The level to which water rises in the tub 2 andchamber 7 may be controlled by any suitable liquid level sensing means(not shown) many of which are known in the art.

As thus far described, the machine is capable of providing a normalsequence of operation in which fabrics are placed in the tub 2 and arewashed and rinsed with the washing and rinsing water being centrifugallyextracted from the fabrics and expelled from the machine by the pump 28.In order to be able to wash two loads simultaneously without intermixingof the washing and rinsing liquid inside the tub 2 so that noncompatiblefabrics may be washed simultaneously there is provided a second orinner, substantially imperforate, open top tub 47 to receive liquid andfabrics to be washed in that liquid. The tub 47 includes an inner wall48 which is channeled as. indicated at 49 along its radially innerportion and curves outwardly at the bottom so as to fit closely aroundthe agitator 14 and be driven thereby as the agitator is oscillated androtated during a sequence of operation of the machine. The tub 47 alsoincludes a generally cylindrical outer wall 50 which extends upwardlyand defines a top opening 51 by means of an inwardly facing annularflange 52 which extends around the top of the wall 50.

The outer Wall 50 may have extending therefrom a number of small vanes53 which aid in providing a suitable washing motion to the liquid andfabrics in the outer tub 2 when the inner tub 47 is in the machine. Thediameter of the inner tub 47 is made substantially less than thediameter of the outer tub 2 so that each tub may have a suitable volumeseparate from the other to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed inthat liquid. In the machine illustrated the inner tub 47 does notcompletely cover the vanes 16 and 17 of the agitator 14 so that theirlower tips may assist in causing a washing motion in the outer tub.

The upper portion of the wall 50' generally slants inwardly as indicatedat 54 and this inwardly slanting portion is provided with a number ofrecesses 55 which continue in a more vertical fashion and are spacedcircumferentially around the wall 50. Each of these recesses terminatesin an upwardly extending pipe 56. The upper end of each pipe 56 isjoined to a return bent, generally vertically extending tube 57 ofstifily resilient material so that each pipe and tube together form aconduit 58. Each conduit has an inlet 59 in the upper portion of theinner tub 47 and an outlet 60' which opens outwardly above the top ofthe tub 47. For ease of construction, the pipes 56 and tubes 57 can beformed integrally with both being a part of the material forming theinner tub 47. However, on many occasions the inner tub 47 wil be removedfrom the machine and stored separately so that the machine may be usedto wash large loads of compatible fabrics. By making the tubes 57separately and of a stiflly resilient material, the likelihood ofdamaging the free standing portions of the conduits will be muchreduced.

The water inlet horn 46 and the recirculation nozzle 35 are both formedand positioned so that the streams of liquid discharged therefrom flowin paths which bring them into registry with the open upper end 51 ofthe inner tub 47. As an important part of this invention there isprovided a suitable diverted means or cover structure 61 which fitswithin the opening 51 and allows the stream of inlet water from horn 46to flow into the tub 47 until it is full and then diverts the streaminto the tub 2 and chamber 7 so that the same inlet mechanism normallyused in washing machines may be used in a machine for simultaneouslywashing two loads. The cover structure also functions to direct thestream of recirculated liquid from nozzle 35 back into the tub 2 withoutany of it flowing into the tub 47 so that a normal recirculation typefiltering system may be used in a machine which will simultaneously washtwo loads.

The cover structure includes a cup like center portion 62 which fitsover the top of the agitator post 15 and an annular inner wall 63extending downwardly around the agitator center post and into the upperend of the tub 47 The cover structure also includes a series ofvertically spaced, generally horizontally extending walls. The upper ofthese walls 64 extends radially outwardly from the annular wall 63. Anintermediate wall 65 is spaced slightly below the upper wall and withits outer periphery beyond the outer edge or periphery of the upper wall64. This outer periphery of the middle wall 65 includes a downwardlyextending flange 66 and a short horizontally extending flange 67. Theflanges 66 and 67 fit in liquid tight relationship with a gasket 68. Thegasket in turn is mounted in liquid tight relationship with the flange52 on the upper end of the tub 47 so that the outer edge of the coverstructure is mounted in liquid tight relationship with the upper edge ofthe tub 47. From the flanges 66 and 67, the wall 65 extends inwardly ina generally horizontal fashion and terminates in a short, upwardlyextending flange 65a, which is spaced slightly outwardly of the innerwall 63. A lower wall 69 extends outwardly from the inner wall 63 and isformed at its radially outer edge with a short, downwardly extendingflange 70. The flange 70 is spaced slightly inwardly of the flange 66.The intermediate wall 65 is maintained in its vertically spacedrelationship to walls 64 and 69 by circumferentially spaced webs 71which extend between walls 64 and 65 and are connected thereto so as tosupport the wall 65 from the wall 64. As indicated by the drawing, thecover structure can be formed from a number of separate elements whichare firmly joined together to make a unitary structure.

Thus, a labyrinth passage is formed in and extends through the coverstructure. This passage extends between the upper wall 64 andintermediate wall 65, over the flange 65a and then between it and theinner wall 63,

then outwardly between the intermediate Wall 64 and lower wall 69, andfinally downwardly between the flanges 66 and 70. When the coverstructure 63 is mounted over the agitator 14 and in the inner tub 47, atleast the lower portion of this passage is positioned within the tub 47and well below the upper limit of the outlet conduits 58. With such anarrangement, the inlet water flowing from the horn 46 will impinge uponthe cover structure 63. Initially this water will flow through thelabyrinth passage into the tub '47. This flow continues until the liquidin the inner tub 47 rises to the level of the labyrinth passage. Whenthis occurs, no further flow through the passage is possible and theinlet water is diverted outwardly over the cover structure to flow intothe outer tub 2 and chamber 7 to fill these to the desired level, atwhich time the inlet water flow will be terminated.

Similarly, since the inner tub 47 will be full during periods ofagitation the stream of recirculated liquid being emitted from thenozzle 35 onto the cover will be directed outwardly over the coverstructure 63 and back into the tub 2 and chamber 7 without any of itentering the inner tub 47, due to the seal formed by the full labyrinthpassages. The webs or vanes 71 act as pumps to insure that none of theliquid leaks through the labyrinth into tub 47 In order to filter lintand other foreign matter from the recirculated stream of liquid thecover structure may also include a pan like filter including a generallyhorizontal lower wall 72 and an upwardly extending side wall 73. Thelower wall 72 is spaced above the upper wall 64 and is formed with aplurality of openings 74 so that liquid entering the filter will flowthrough the openings 74 in the filter and fall onto the upper wall 64.

In order to wash two loads of incompatible fabrics simultaneously it isalso necessary to insure, during centrifugal extraction periods ofoperation, that none of the liquid used in washing the fabrics in theinner tub impinges upon the fabrics in the outer tub. To this end afirst wall 75 extends inwardly and downwardly from the top edge of thefirst tub 2 and underlies the outlet ends 60 of the conduits 58. Theliquid exiting from the conduits 58 during centrifugal extraction willstrike the wall 75 and be guided to the top of the tub 2. The inner endof the wall 75 is formed with an upturned flange 76 which is positionedinwardly of the outlets 60 so that any liquid dropping from the conduits58 at the end of the extraction operation or spraying out duringcentrifugal extraction will be caught by the flange 76 and preventedfrom dropping into the outer tub 2. A second wall 77 extends around andis spaced above the top edge of the tub 2. The wall 77 is supportedabove the tub 2 by some suitable means such as circu-mferentiallyspaced, small posts 78 which extend from the top of the tub 2 and engagethe wall 77. The wall 77 includes a first portion 79 which extendsinwardly and downwardly into the tub 2 parallel to and spaced from thewall 75 and terminates outwardly of the ends of the tubes 57. The wall77 also includes a second portion 80 which extends outwardly anddownwardly outside the tub 2. Thus, the liquid exiting from the conduits58 and directed upwardly by the wall 75 will be directed over the top ofthe tub 2 by the wall portion 79 and then outwardly and downwardly intothe chamber 7 away from the tub 2 by the wall portion 80.

For typical cycle of operation for washing two loads simultaneously theinner tub 47 is placed within the outer tub 2 around the agitator 14.One type of fabrics are placed within the outer tub 2 and another typeof fabrics are placed within the inner tub 47. For instance, white andcolor fast items are placed in the tub 2 and items which tend to fadeare placed in the tub 47. Then the cover member 63 is placed over theagitator center post and into the top of the tub 47. The controls forthe machine are set to cause the machine to automatically proceedthrough a cycle of operation. Many such suitable controls are known inthe art and do not form a part of this invention, therefore, none havebeen described in detail herein.

First the valve 42 is energized so that water of a selected emperatureflows in through the inlet hose 45 and born 46 to impinge upon the covermember 63. Initially, this stream of water flows through the labyrinthpassage into the inner tub 47 until it is filled. Thereafter, when thewater in tub 47 fills the passage, this stream of inlet water isdiverted outward over the cover member 63 into the outer tub 2. Sincethe outer tub is provided with perforations over its side and bottomwalls this liquid also flows outwardly into the chamber 7 and fills thetub 2 and chamber 7 with liquid.

When they have been filled to a suitable level, the water supply isinterrupted and the motor 21 is started in a first direction to causeoscillation of the agitator While the tub 2 is held stationary. Theinner tub 47 moves with the agitator 14 so that the channels 49 in theinner wall of the inner tub cause the liquid and fabrics in the innertub to be agitated while the vanes 53 and tips of the vanes 16 and 17cause the liquid and fabrics in the outer tub to be agitated. At thesame time, pump 29 draws liquid out of the chamber 7 through the conduit33 and discharges it through the conduit 34 and nozzle 35 so that it isprojected into the filter pan. From the filter pan it passes through theopenings 74 onto the upper wall 64. Since the labyrinth passage isblocked by the body of liquid in the inner tub 47, this recirculatedliquid is directed outwardly and back into the outer tub 2.

At the conclusion of the agitation period of operation the motor isstopped and restarted in the other direction to cause the tubs andagitator to be rotated together at high speed for centrifugal extractionof liquid from both of the loads. The liquid in the outer tub 2 isexpelled through the openings into the chamber 7 from whence it isexhausted by the pump 28 through the opening 31 and conduit 30 and thendischarged to drain through the conduit 32. The liquid in the inner tub47 is caused to flow upwardly and then outwardly through the recesses 55and conduits 58. From the conduit outlets 60 this liquid flows up overthe wall 75 and under the wall 77. It is directed by the wall portion 80downwardly and outwardly to be received in the chamber 7 away from thetub 2 so that it does not impinge on the fabrics in the tub 2.

As was explained previously the clutch 22 is of the type which willprevent high speed rotation of the tub 2 and agitator 14 for a period oftime sufiicient for the standing liquid level in the chamber 7 to bereduced to a point below the lower wall 3 of the tub 2. This is requiredin machines of the type illustrated, wherein the tub 2 is provided withopenings over much of its surface. With such an outer tub construction,if vitiated liquid from the inner tub is expelled into the chamber 7before the level of standing liquid in the chamber is reduced to a pointbelow the outer tub, it will mix with this standing liquid and maycontaminate the fabrics in the outer tub.

Some machines use a substantially imperforate outer tub, with only a fewopenings positioned adjacent the upper edge of the outer tub. With sucha construction the clutch 22 would not necessarily be of the type toprovide this drain down Operation.

The steps of operation of filling, agitation and centrifugal extractionare repeated a suitable number of times for a complete cycle ofoperation and are normally provided at least twice, the first time withdetergent in the two tubs to provide a wash step and a second time withclear water to provide a rinse step.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

1. In a vertical axis Washing machine,

(a) means defining a chamber;

(b) an outer, open top tub mounted in said chamber to receive liquid andfabrics to be washed in that liquid;

(c) an inner, substantially i-mperforate tub disposed within said firsttub to receive liquid and fabrics to be Washed in that liquid;

(d) drive means for effecting a washing action in said tubs; and

(e) liquid inlet means, including diverter means mounted on the upperportion of said inner tub, for directing a stream of liquid into saidinner tub until it is filled to a predetermined level and, thereafter,directing the stream of liquid into said outer tub.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein Said diverter meanscomprises a cover structure for substantially closing the open top ofsaid inner tub.

3. In a vertical axis washing machine;

(a) an outer, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed inthat liquid;

(b) a movably mounted agitator extending upwardly in said outer tub;

(c) drive means for effecting a Washing motion of said agitator;

(d) an inner, substantially imperforate, open top tub to receive liquidand fabrics to be washed in that liquid; said inner tube being mountedon said agitator for movement therewith; and

'(e) liquid inlet means, including a cover for said inner tub, fordirecting a stream of liquid into said inner tub until it is filled to apredetermined level and, thereafter, directing the stream of liquid intosaid outer tub.

4. In a vertical axis washing machine;

(a) an outer, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed inthat liquid;

(b) a movably mounted agitator extending upwardly in said outer tub;

(c) drive means for effecting a washing motion of said agitator;

(d) an inner, substantially imperforate, open top tub to receive liquidand fabrics to be washed in that liquid; said inner tub being mounted onsaid agitator for movement therewith;

(e) liquid inlet means positioned to direct a stream of liquid intoregistry with the top of said inner tub; and

(f) a cover structure for said inner tub, said cover structure includingmeans to pass the stream of liquid into said inner tube until it isfilled to a predetermined level and, thereafter, to direct the stream ofliquid into said outer tub.

5. In a vertical axis Washing machine;

(a) an outer, open top tub to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed inthat liquid;

(b) a movably mounted agitator extending upwardly in said outer tub;

(c) drive means for effecting a Washing motion of said agitator;

(d) an inner, substantially imperforate, open top tub to receive liquidand fabrics to be washed in that liquid; said inner tub being mounted onsaid agitator for movement therewith;

(e) liquid inlet means positioned to direct a stream of liquid intoregistry with the top of said inner tub; (f) a cover structure adaptedto substantially close the top of said inner tub;

(g) said cover structure including a plurality of vertically spaced,radially extending walls received in the upper portion of said innertub; said walls having offset discontinuous portions to form a labyrinthpassage through said cover structure;

(h) whereby the stream of liquid may enter said inner tub until theliquid therein rises to the level of said labyrinth passage, the streamof liquid thereafter being directed into said outer tub.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 5 further including pump meanseffective, during periods of washing motion of said agitator, to removeliquid from said outer tub and return it thereto and filter means forfiltering the recirculated liquid; the recirculated liquid beingdirected into registry with said cover structure and said coverstructure being effective to direct the recirculated liquid into saidouter tub.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein said cover structureincludes three vertically spaced walls, the upper of said wallsterminating inwardly of the outer edge of the intermediate of said wallsand said intermediate wall terminating outwardly of the inner edge ofthe lower of said walls.

8. The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein said cover structureincludes an axially extending inner wall mountable closely around saidagitator and an outer wall mountable in liquid tight relationship to theupper end of said inner tub; said cover structure further including anupper, generally horizontal wall extending outwardly from said innerwall and terminating inwardly of said outer wall, an intermediate,generally horizontal Wall extending inwardly from said outer wall,spaced below said upper wall and terminating outwardly of said innerwall, and a lower, generally horizontal wall, extending outwardly fromsaid inner wall and spaced below said intermediate wall; whereby saidlabyrinth passage is formed through said cover structure.

9. The invention as set forth in claim 8 wherein said cover structurefurther includes a pan like filter disposed above said upper wall, saidfilter having a perforated lower wall extending over said upper wall;said machine including pump means effective, during periods of washingmotion of said agitator, to remove liquid from said outer tub and directit into said filter, the recirculated liquid then flowing through saidperforated wall and across said upper wall into said outer tub.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,324,688 6/1967 Hubbard 68-4WILLIAM A. PRICE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 6818, 23.5

